How This Works
Simple, honest, neighbor-to-neighbor help — powered by kindness, not money.
What The Serving Heart IS
A neighbor-to-neighbor help system that connects people who need everyday assistance with local volunteers who want to help.
- Yard work & lawn care
- Rides to appointments
- Errands & shopping
- Small home tasks
- Friendly visits & companionship
What It Is NOT
🚨 Not an emergency service
For emergencies, always call 911.
📋 Not a guaranteed service
We rely on volunteer availability and may not fulfill every request.
👷 Not a professional service
Volunteers are everyday people, not licensed professionals.
What We Can Help With
Mowing, raking, basic lawn care
Rides to medical appointments, grocery store, pharmacy
Changing bulbs, moving furniture, basic repairs
Grocery shopping, prescription pickup, post office
Friendly visits, phone calls, social connection
Ask us! If we can help, we will.
What We Cannot Help With
No bandaging, medication, or medical advice
Volunteers are not background-checked for childcare
No lending money, paying bills, or handling cash
No legal advice, tax prep, or licensed trades
No daily tasks, long-term care, or permanent arrangements
No tree removal, electrical, or plumbing work
How Requests Are Handled
Through our website form
To confirm it’s something we can help with
Local volunteers who might be a good match
That volunteer gets your contact info and reaches out
Work out the details with your volunteer
Volunteer helps at the agreed time; we check in after
About Our Volunteers
Ordinary people from local churches and the community who want to help their neighbors.
- Known personally by church or community leaders
- Giving their time freely with no expectation of payment
- Good-hearted people doing their best to help
- Conduct formal background checks
- Provide insurance or liability coverage
- Verify professional licenses or certifications
Why this matters: We keep this simple and trust-based so more people can help. Use common sense — if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to decline.
Safety & Common Sense
- You can decline any volunteer for any reason
- Have a friend or family member present if you prefer
- Don’t share financial info or give access to money
- Trust your instincts — contact us if something feels off
- Decline any request for any reason — no explanation needed
- Never handle money or accept payment, tips, or gifts
- Don’t provide services beyond your skill level
- If something feels unsafe, leave and contact us
This service is completely free. Always.
- No payment should be requested or offered
- No tips or gifts given or accepted
- If someone asks for money, contact us immediately
Liability & Disclaimers
The Serving Heart is a volunteer coordination service. We facilitate connections between people who need help and people who want to help.
- Employ, supervise, or direct volunteers
- Guarantee quality or completion of any service
- Assume liability for volunteer actions
- Provide insurance for any participant
- You participate at your own risk
- You will use common sense and good judgment
- You understand this is informal, neighbor-to-neighbor help
- You will not hold The Serving Heart responsible for volunteer actions
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions, concerns, or something doesn’t feel right — please reach out. We’re here to help.
Thank you for being part of The Serving Heart.
Together, we’re building a community where neighbors look out for each other.
The Serving Heart · Washington, Illinois